Symptom of Confusion and Electrolyte Imbalance

By
Dr. Christine Princeton, D.O.

About the Author:

Dr. Christine Princeton, D.O.

Writing professionally since 1998, Dr. Christine Princeton has been published with the American Osteopathic Association and the Society for Teachers of Family Medicine. Dr. Princeton received her degree at Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and works as a physician in the fields of hospital medicine and women's health.

Electrolytes are minerals in your blood and body fluids that carry an electric charge. The balance of the electrolytes is essential for the normal functioning of your cells and organs. Mental status changes are one of the most common presentations of electrolyte imbalances. The prevalence of acute cases of mental confusion during hospital stays is approximately 60 percent in elderly patients, with 56 percent of the cases presenting for the first time during the hospitalizations, according to Drs. Lee Goldman and Dennis Ausiello in "Cecil Medicine." Many of these cases of confusion are caused by electrolyte imbalances, especially sodium, calcium and potassium.

Sodium and Delirium

Delirium is an acute state of confusion.
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Imbalances in sodium can result in delirium, an acute confused state, as noted in the text, "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." Both high and low blood sodium can result in confusion and mental alterations, especially when connected to sodium imbalance-induced swelling in the brain. The symptoms associated with this form of confusion include memory loss, deficit of attention, alterations in sleep-wake cycles, hallucinations and delusions.

Calcium and Confusion

Abnormally high blood levels of calcium can lead to confusion characterized by vague neuropsychiatric symptoms, according to the text, "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." The mental signs and symptoms of elevated calcium levels include difficulty focusing, trouble maintaining conversations, mood swings, personality changes and problems with following commands.

Potassium Imbalances

Although more commonly associated with muscle weakness and heart conduction problems, potassium imbalances can produce cognitive dysfunctions as well. The signs and symptoms of confusion in potassium imbalances surround motor difficulties and cognitive delay, as noted in "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." These signs and symptoms include apathy, inability to recite months backward, difficulty with repetitive tasks, disorganized thought processes, lethargy, reduced awareness and altered levels of consciousness.